How to Draw Realistic Clouds - Full length tutorial w/ commentary

In this video, I show you first hand on how to draw realistic clouds using different shading, blending, erasing and texture techniques to create a fully detailed realistic sky with clouds.

Song is from CCmixter and is called Soul Control from BO Crew

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Supplies for this drawing:
Canson Classic Cream Drawing Paper
Pencils: 2B, 4B
Blending Stump
Blending Cloth
Kneaded Eraser
Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick
Large White Eraser

When I draw the sky in, I picture where I want the clouds and will leave those areas white. I will first shade the sky in with a 2H or HB pencil in a single hatching motion. Try not to vary the angle too much because it will put too much texture into the sky. I will then go over that area with a 2B pencil and make the sky rather dark. After the shading is completed, I will go back into the sky with a blending stump and will blend the bottoms of the clouds with the sky to make them fade. Then using the kneaded eraser, place it on the tops of the mountains and give it a small twisting motion. This will give the clouds a wispy look to them. It helps to convey movement. Then using the dirty blending stump, start to shade the clouds in a bit. Then using any eraser, erase out parts of the clouds again to create volume. I wanted puffy clouds in this picture so I did this several times over to give me the desired effect.

[TylersArtShack]

You know that clouds have always been the most troubling thing for me to draw? I seriously struggled with them. I practiced with them so much until I was able to finally start drawing them. Once I did that, I perfected the technique so that I could easily draw them and that is what I did in this tutorial here. Glad to see that you enjoyed it!

[TylersArtShack]

Thank you for the kind comment :) I always have had trouble with drawing clouds and spent a long time trying to perfect a technique for it. I really enjoy doing it now though :)

[joshmo]

For anyone who doesn't have a "blending thing" Roll up a piece of paper into a point, stab a hard surface with the point (not super hard) until the pointy bit is a hard-ish dull "point" and just use that! Worked awesome for me!

[ashleybillinger]

i used to be really bad at drawing clouds, but after watching this i have gotten alot better. you should try to do and impressionest painting with just shading

[patriciahall]

After watching your tutorial I had a go at my art class, the other students were amazed at the results, as was I. The leader of the class said that I should frame the finished picture. Have to be careful with the blending stumps though as if too much pressure is used the you can burnish the paper surface. Thank you.

[USC]

Youre a better teacher than 90% of the others I've seen. You give important little details about exactly what you're thinking and why you're doing what you're doing!!! Nice job

[patricktate]

I am a 73 year old grandmother that has always wanted to do art work. Watching your video has been so much fun. Thank you.

[TylersArtShack]

hey no problem at all! I just love to share my passion with everyone so that they can have a more accessible experience for learning how to draw/paint. Thanks for posting!

[pegcage]

People are complaining about the music. My personal preference is that on instructional videos where there is speaking, music should be left out. Having said that, this music is not really distracting to me, but video would be perfect without it. For future videos, i would leave it out. That should please everybody. You are a gifted artist AND instructor. I am picky who I subscribe to and just added you. Thank you SO much for your instruction.

[nvqsqhu]

had a really long art block for 2 straight years. didint hold a pencil . now coming back i watched this video and i cant thank you enough for this. Your a mad lad genius! i loved the part when you smudged the clouds with that grey rubber to make it look more realistic and natural . this really helps me come back to drawing, though my drawing isnt good though ill still practice more .

[TylersArtShack]

I am happy to hear that you are a fan of my work. Thanks for posting!

[lauraaustin]

This was fun. I actually drew clouds that looked like clouds! Thank you.

[antoniosilva-gcpg]

those faber-castell pencils are amazing, so does the artist.

[sarcasticallyevelyn]

this video kinda saved my advanced art grade, thanks dude. also I actually like the music because I was drawing along with you so I could kinda go step by step and the music made it so I didn't die of boredom

[parxboiiz]

These clouds are the most realistic ones I’ve seen on YouTube with a pencil. You helped me with drawing clouds a lot more than I expected from a YouTube art tutorial

[TylersArtShack]

I used to have a lot of trouble with skies and clouds. after a lot of practice, this is the result. I am pleased with how they turn out now and I am glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks for posting!

[NMranchhand]

Fabulous video, Tyler. The fullest, most straightforward video on this subject anywhere on the YouTube. Thanks a bunch.

[TylersArtShack]

Thanks a lot! It just started as a hobby and now I just can't believe how much support I get for sharing my passion. It makes for quite the awesome experience!

[mattgrant]

I have been drawing this huge futuristic/wizardry scene for a few days now and this video really helped me out just want to say thx.

[amitabhsharma]

thanks, you are a gentle soul, we can see in your creations.